Lantern



Nov. 9, 192e. 1,605,630

A. HANCOCK DANTERN Filed March 6, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 atto: wmq

Nov. 9,1926. 1,606,630

A. HANCOCK LANTERN Filed March 1925 2 Sheets-Shet 2 @Umweg Patented Nov. 9,A lQZh't .tratas ANDREW HANCOCK, OF BAKEBSFELl), CALFRNIA. Y

LANTERN.

Application filed March 6, 1925. Seral-l`l'o. 13,609.

This invention relates to improvements in signal devices and more particularlyto an apparatus to be used in connection with lanterns or the like.

An important object of the invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned character whereby signal indicating means may be interchangeably positioned oppositev the illuminated like.

A further object or" the invention` is the provision of a signal apparatus of this character whereby intersecting trailic may be instructed as to procedure.

A still further object oi the invention is to provide a device oi this character whereby signal indicating` means bearing signal characters may be alternately illuminated.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a signal lantern which will be positive in operation, durable, simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of this invention willbe apparent during the course of the following description. V

In the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a front elevation oit the device embodying my invention showing the signal members in operative position,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same showing the signal members in "reversed position,

Figure 3 is a rear elevation showing the device in inoperative position,` 4

Figure L is a horizontal sectional view taken through the central `portion of the device as shown in Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the supporting trame, and

Figure 6 is adetailed view showing the construction of the movable signal members.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration isshown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 10 generally indicates the base structure oi a common form of lantern usually employed by watchmen at railroad crossings and the like. The upper portion of this lantern carries a bail or handle 11 pivotally secured to the lantern casing to permit carrying or swinging the same. `When using a lantern of this character in connection with my portion of a lantern or the improved device 1 consider it desirable to provide an opaque shield 11` which may be constructed of asbestos or any suitable material `and adapted to cover the upper portion of the `lantern globe, as will be clearly apparent as the description progresses.

rlhe description thus far has dealt with the construction of the conventional type of lanterns usually employed as a signal light for directing trailic and like usage. My invention resides more particularly in apparatus to be employed in connection with lanterns oiLl this or any preferred type for indicating more delinitely the movement of trahie at crossings. This is accomplished by the provision of a supporting frame generally designated by the numeral 13 constructed of four vertical corner posts 14 secured at the lower extremities to the base plate of the lantern. The upper extremities of these vertical posts are braced by a plurality of cross rods 15 forming a substantially rectangular' `frame.` The lower portion of the frame is braced in a similar manner by a plurality of cross rods secured substantially above the lower extremities of the vertical posts, these upper and lower cross rods valso being adapted to serve as bearing shafts for operating members which will be hereinafter more `fully describedr An inner box-like casing 16 is formed about the frame 13 constructed oiz four signal plate frames 17 These trames are connected at the extremities to form the casing and are adapted to slide vertically along the vertical corner posts of the supporting trame. A second somewhat larger casing 18 composed of signal plate frames 19 is movably positioned about and adapted to move telescopically in relation thereto.

rThese inner and outer casing members are provided with actuating. handles 2O substantially itl-shaped in formation and adapted to permit movement of the signal casing. The intermediate portions of the casing handles are preferably bent in arcuate form as atf21 so as to conform to the general contour oit' the lantern handle 11 and permit the same to be retained in an elevated position together with the lantern handle as clearly illustrated in Figure 1. It is thus obviously seen that one of the signal plate casings' is permitted to remain opposite the illuminated section of the lantern while the other casing is elevated by means of its the inner casing 'signaling devices employed at handle. ln order that these casings may bepraised or lowered in an even and easily operable manner I consider it desirable to provide a pair of pulleys on each of the cross rods. rlhe pulleys 22 rotatably mounted upon the front and lower cross rods are in vertical alignment and guide suitable cords or cables connected to the upper and lower edges ot the signal casing traine by means oreye-bolts 24. rlihe outer casing is operated through similar mechanism mounted on the side cross rods.

The signal plate frames are preferably constructed of channel shaped bars to engage suitable transparent or translucent signal plates 25 preferably Vconstructed ot glass or similar material. These plates may be of di'ii'erent colors and in this manner indicate a particular signal, or they may contain letters indicating word signals as,-or instance, the words Go and Stop shownl on the signal plates in the drawings. In the latter type it is also preferable that the plates be of different colors thereby materially assisting the direction of the traffic and enabling pedestrians and vehicle drivers to recognize the signal at a substantial distance therefrom,

lVhile I have shown the device in this particular form and used in connection with a lantern l contemplate numerous additional applications thereof, for instance, utilizing the apparatus in association with traiiic or many intersections in cities and towns. Numerous forms of illuminating means may be used in connection with this apparatus and numerous means for operating thesame may be designed to accommodate the particular application.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is is to be taken as the preferred example of the same and that various changes as to the shape, size and `arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, l claiml. A device for signaling comprising a rectangular supporting frame, means for mounting the said frame in position upon a lantern or the like, the said lantern being adapted to illuminate the lower portion of the frame only, an inner signal casing adapted to vertically slide along the supporting frame posts. an outer signal casing also adapted to slide vertically against the inner casing, handle members secured to the cas ings and adapted to elevate or lower the same, rotatable members mounted upon the transverse beams of the supporting frames, cables trained over the rotatable members and connecting with the casings to balance the same, and Y transparant signal plates mounted in the frames o'l the casings tor signaling purposes.

ln combination with a lantern having its upper portion covered by an opaque shield, a supporting frame including vertical corner posts, horizont-al cross rods secured to the upper extremities ot the corner posts and adjacent the lower extremities thereof, a rectangular signal casing composed o' tour frame members adapted to slide upon the corner posts oit the frame, an outer casing member `ot similar construction adapted to verticali]7 slide in engagement with the inner casing, pulleys rotatably mounted upon the horizontal cross rods, cable members trained about the pulleys and connected with the casings to permit even operation olthe same, handle members secured to the casings adapt ed to permit elevation thereof in association with the handle of the lantern, and transparent signal plates mounted in the casing trame.

3. In combination with illuminating means, a rectangular signal frame mounted in association with illuminating means whereby the lower portion of the fra-me only is illuminated, a plurality of casing members slidablyl mounted upon the said frame, means for raising and lowering the said casing members, means for permitting even operation of the said casing members, and transparent signal plates positioned in the casing trames.

t. A device of the character described comprising a rectangular supporting trame, means for mounting the said Jframe in association with an illuminating device, a bOX like casing slidably mounted about the said supporting frame, the said casing containing plates bearing letters indicating signal instructions, and means for readily adjusting the said casing relative to the said frame and illuminating device.

5. A device of the character described comprising a substantially rectangular supporting Jframe, means 'lor securing the said frame in association with a lantern, box like signal casings vertically slidable about the said support frame, the said casings containing signal plates bearing signal instructions thereon, and means for sliding the casings and plates relative to the said frame and lantern. l v

In testimony whereof I atiix my signature.

ANDREW HANCOCK. 

